Blake on course for second Sydney title

SYDNEY, Jan 11 (Reuters) American James Blake remained on course to defend his Sydney International title with an impressive 6-1 6-4 over Russian teenager Evgeny Korolev today.

The world number four showed off his full range of shots to book his place in the semi-finals with a routine win over the cousin of former tour professional Anna Kournikova.

Korolev only got into the tournament as a lucky loser when Dmitry Tursunov injured his wrist in practice but came from behind to win his first two matches before coming unstuck against Blake.

The American was impressed by Korolev and grateful to wrap up victory in straight sets and save his energy for Melbourne.

''It was great to win under an hour, because he's a great talent and I know he's got a big future,'' the American said.

''I definitely feel like I'm a better player than I was last year.

''I haven't had a long match yet to push me, but I'm not complaining about that. These short ones are just great for me.'' Blake will play Jurgen Melzer in Friday's semi-finals after the Austrian upset Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych 6-2 6-4.

The other semi-final will be between the winner of Thursday's match between Carlos Moya and Marcos Baghdatis and the last quarter-final between Richard Gasquet and Paul-Henri Mathieu.

REUTERS AY HT1315